Japanese word

迷子

Pronunciation

Romajimaigo

Meaning

  • nounlost child

Example

駅で迷子を見つけました。eki de maigo o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

I found a lost child at the station.

Illustration for 迷子 (lost child)

More examples

弟が公園で迷子になってしまいました。otōto ga kō en de maigo ni na tte shi ma i ma shi ta

My younger brother got lost at the park.

Core concept

Centers on a person who has lost contact with companions and cannot locate the intended destination, usually a child but sometimes an adult.

Common phrases

  • 迷子になるmaigo ni na ru

    get lost

  • 迷子を探すmaigo o saga su

    look for a lost child

  • 迷子を保護するmaigo o ho go su ru

    take in a lost child

Definition in Japanese

道に迷い、連れとはぐれて帰る場所が分からない子どもや人。michi ni mayo i tsu re to ha gu re te kae ru ba sho ga wa ka ra na i ko do mo ya hito

Word origin

The Japanese word 迷子 (maigo) developed from 迷い子 (mayoigo), which joins 迷い (mayoi, "being lost") with 子 (ko, "child"); the shorter form has 子 pronounced go.

Usage tips

  • Public announcements in shops, stations, and other busy places commonly use this word when a child becomes separated from a guardian.

Other meanings

  • lost personnoun

Word lists with this word